This file is a PREVIEW of the resource for sale in my shop. This simplified and abridged version of Macbeth is mostly in contemporary English, but also has occasional lines from the original play. I have used this script with mixed ability classes including ‘gifted’, special needs and ESL learners, and it’s always been highly successful. Depending on how it is directed, it can be performed in 30 minutes to an hour. It has been performed in our school theatre, in our classroom and also in our common room as it requires nothing more than a clear staging area, separate from ‘behind the scenes’. To separate the stage from the rest of the space, we have used raised platforms, display boards (as wings) or simply marked out the space by where we seat the audience. Alternatively, it has the potential for use as a Reader's Theatre script (though I have not used it this way myself). It is the perfect introduction to a study of the original text, or a way of touching upon the main points of the story when you do not have time to explore the original, full version. In this resource, you will find: -notes on my experiences of staging this version of the play with suggestions on how to perform it with minimal additional resources -the play script comprising of 16 pages -stage directions Keywords: Macbeth, script, play, Shakespeare, mixed ability, SEN, ESL, EAL, photocopiable, printable

Looking for a way in to a unit on the spy genre? Look no further than this short fun activity that asks students to use their critical thinking skills to work out a logic puzzle. Which agent should be assigned each of the items available? Only by using skills of inference and deduction will your agents succeed! This is a useful starting activity that will see your students have lots of fun. Use it as an individual or team-building discussion task. I offer this for free, so please remember to leave feedback once you've had time to evaluate the activity. If there are any issues, let me know and I'll be happy to address them. Questions or comments? Get in touch: roamingteacher@gmail.com

More task cards! My students love when I pull out a set of these. Task cards are a great way to get your students engaged and focused, and their versatility makes them perfect for anything from starters to lessons to plenaries. This is a DIGITAL version of my printable resource of the same name and content. The printable version can be found here: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/inference-task-cards-find-evidence-to-support-your-ideas-11380301 You will need access to online devices of some kind (smartphone, tablet, PC, Chromebook or other) to use this resource. If you have access to devices but are nervous about using the resource, please get in touch. I am happy to help! ____________________________________________________________________________________________ These cards have been used with students from Year 7-11 (Grades 6-10), but would also be suitable for challenging capable upper primary / elementary students. Be warned though: critical thinking and effort is required! Included is a script of how to 'think aloud' and model the thought processes of a good reader. On these cards you will find 32 extracts including original writing (from yours truly), classic literature, and nonfiction. Accompanying each short text is a question that asks students to dig deeper into the text, and pull out details that are not explicitly stated. These can be used for oral or written response. Setting them up as 'stations' around the room will ensure students are physically moving as they learn. You could use 1 card as a starter activity to get students using their inference skills before additional reading challenged. Alternatively, use the set with individuals, pairs or small teams. Ideas for how to use the cards are included in the teacher notes. Included in the pack: -links and QR codes to the 32 online task cards (in Google Drive) -'think aloud' script to model how to approach the cards for students -full teacher notes -a tracking sheet (online and printable) -an *optional* online response sheet for students to record their answers (requires Google account e.g. Gmail) Questions or comments? If you have ANY problems with these files, please get in touch with me via roamingteacher@gmail.com - I am always happy to help! Keywords: task, cards, task cards, fun, reading, inference, infer, read, plenary, starter, lesson, stations, station, GAFE, Google Apps, Drive, Google Drive, ICT, technology, online, differentiation

Save $$$ with this bundled pack to get you started on your spy genre unit, or simply to practice some critical thinking. Contained are engaging activities for reading, writing, speaking and listening. All are designed to engage students and link their thinking to previous knowledge (activate their schemata). Included: * Assassination Puzzle - The Spy Files * Observation Aptitude Test - The Spy Files * Equipment Assignment Logic Puzzle - The Spy Files * Know / learn / do grid (for students to activate their schemata and have voice and choice; exclusive to this pack) * Spy reading (getting started with literature circles or reading groups; exclusive to this pack) * Debrief (i.e. guided reflection writing; exclusive to this pack) The challenges demonstrate the need for them to really engage their brains, and put emphasis on teamwork, collaboration and THINKING. They also reflect the type of challenges protagonists in spy stories face, and how things can be far from what they seem before analysis. I have used this with mixed ability classes, including ‘gifted’ students, those with special educational needs and those with English as an additional language – all (except the most extreme cases) can take part and contribute to feel they have had their say in their learning. Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note below. I'm always happy to help! ***All new products are launched with discounts for the first 48 hours! Interested? Just click on the star above to follow me and get notifications for when this happens!***

This handy resource is designed as a start-of-lesson activity to get your students (back) into 'spy mode.' Students watch a short (6-minute) spy animation that is freely available online: link provided. The accompanying task sheet can be used as a short quiz activity or as inspiration for creative writing, as explained in the teacher notes. So whether you have 10 minutes or a lesson to fill, this resource will keep your students engaged in a topic they really enjoy. My students have a lot of fun with this one and it can inspire some great short stories! Questions or comments? Want more ideas on how to use this activity? Drop me a note (withreachhigh@gmail.com) and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. I'm always happy to help! Follow me in Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/withreachhigh Follow my blog: www.learningtoempower.com

This bundle contains most of the Greek Mythology products from my store. I intend to keep adding products as they become available, so buying the bundle now means you never again pay for any items added (as the price rises). This money-saving bundle contains: ***NEW! (Added March 2017) Myth Quests 1*** ***NEW! (Added March 2017) Greek Mythology: Would You Rather...? Cards*** * The Olympic Games * Demeter & Persephone: The Story * Icarus & Daedalus: The Story * The Minotaur: The Story * The Olympian Gods Any issues, comments or questions please get in touch; I'm here to help! ***All new products are launched with discounts off for the first 48 hours! Interested? Just click on the star above to follow me and get notifications for when this happens!***

This simplified and abridged version of Macbeth is mostly in contemporary English, but also has occasional lines from the original play. I have used this script with mixed ability classes including ‘gifted’, special needs and ESL learners, and it’s always been highly successful. Depending on how it is directed, it can be performed in 30 minutes to an hour. It has been performed in our school theatre, in our classroom and also in our common room as it requires nothing more than a clear staging area, separate from ‘behind the scenes’. To separate the stage from the rest of the space, we have used raised platforms, display boards (as wings) or simply marked out the space by where we seat the audience. Alternatively, it has the potential for use as a Reader's Theatre script (though I have not used it this way myself). It is the perfect introduction to a study of the original text, or a way of touching upon the main points of the story when you do not have time to explore the original, full version. In this resource, you will find: -notes on my experiences of staging this version of the play with suggestions on how to perform it with minimal additional resources -the play script comprising of 16 pages -stage directions Any issues, please get in touch via roamingteacher@gmail.com Keywords: Macbeth, script, play, Shakespeare, mixed ability, SEN, ESL, EAL, photocopiable, printable

This lesson would be perfect for a substitute teacher as all student instructions are included. Focus on public writing and speaking skills with this zombie-themed task. These materials set up a scenario where students' survival depends on how well they can present their arguments. If you are using my other 'zombie' materials, this activity fits well with the reading and writing tasks. I am used to teaching mixed-ability classes with EAL students and all my students can rise to this challenge, from those who are below to those who are above grade level. (Please check suitability of the topic for younger students, although I do my best to avoid gory images.) Produced on printer-friendly paper, these task cards are sure to be a resource you use time and time again. Included: * full teaching notes * task instructions * task preparation materials * rubric (editable version included) * link to speech sample video (downloadable) * links to additional useful resources Interested in other zombie-themed resources? Click on my store for more zombie bargains. Follow me to get notifications of new products and promotions. Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note via roamingteacher@gmail.com. I'm always happy to help.

This resource contains 1 page, which is is a board game to get your students talking for as short or long as you'd like to use the activity. Over the years, I have used this with Secondary (Middle / High School) and college students in EAL, ESL, Language Arts and English settings, so I can personally attest it is suitable for all and promotes lots of discussion. While these board games are deceptively simple in the idea, they can lead to all heated debates and realisations about your students you couldn't have guessed! Promote meaningful and useful discussion skills such as: * Stating opinions with supporting details * Polite disagreement with supporting details * Agreement with supporting details * Questioning further to get a more detailed response If you would like a FREE discussion mat to accompany this activity (after purchase), drop me a line at roamingteacher@gmail.com. The mat contains prompts organised by category (such as agreeing, disagreeing politely etc.) Questions or comments - please leave them below. I'd love to hear from you! Keywords: speaking, listening, discussion, group, team, groupwork, teamwork, teens, adults, esl, eal, language arts, english, game, board, boardgame, fun

Turn a content-heavy lesson into a fun activity with an engaging research project and a creative task. I have completed this with a range of grade levels, near the start of our mythology units, and the students are always totally engaged and determined to show everyone what they can really do. Remembering all twelve Olympians and understanding their history is a challenging task, but this resource makes it easy. In this lesson, students choose one or more Olympian gods to research and create a poster. We know, from research, that memory is aided with visuals so what better way for students to help each other's learning by producing these display items for an authentic audience of their peers? Let's face it - the Olympian gods capture the imagination, so pair this with a creative outlet and you've got a winner of a lesson. And don't be put off by the idea of untidy posters hanging on your walls - simple instructions for how to make student posters go from, 'Oh well, you did your best...' to 'Wow!' are included (online access required). Ideas for the creative use of technology are included, but don't worry - of accessing ICT is an issue for you, most of the lesson can be done offline (assuming your library has information on the Olympian gods - if this is not the case, get in touch and we can work out a solution). For online access, I have included selected links for the students to begin their research. Looking for more materials to explore mythology? Click on the 'mythology' category in my store to see all the resources available. Image credit: 'Wreathed head' icon produced by Gilad Sotil of the Noun Project Keywords: myth, mythology, Olympians, Olympus, Greek, poster, fun, substitute lesson, bulletin board, activity, online, design, creativity, research, informational

This is a lesson I use at the start of my mythology units to engage the class and get them enthused about our area of study. The materials herein may be used in mixed ability classes; I have used it with such groups including EAL and SEN learners, but much of it is open-ended meaning it is rigorous for all. All the activities in this unit have the aim of introducing students to the world of mythology, starting with Greek myths and moving on to explore myths from around the world. Included in this pack are 2 activities, based on Greek Mythology. The first is a cloze worksheet with instructions to develop effective search skills. The second is a set of activity ideas for setting up your own 'in house' Olympics. Timing will very much depend on the students you are working with but I usually allow at least 1.5 hours, assuming that students will be in teams for the Olympics and everyone will select their events. In this download, you will find: -teaching notes -a printable worksheet -an answer key -instructions for setting up your Olympic event Image credit: Theresa Stoodley from The Noun Project Any issues, comments or questions please get in touch; I'm here to help!

More task cards! My students love when I pull out a set of these. Task cards are a great way to get your students engaged and focused, and their versatility makes them perfect for anything from starters to lessons to plenaries. If you would prefer a DIGITAL (online) version of these task cards, please visit my listing here: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/inference-task-cards-find-evidence-to-support-your-ideas-digital-version-11420441 These cards have been used with students from Year 7-11 (Grades 6-10), but would also be suitable for challenging capable upper primary / elementary students. Be warned though: critical thinking and effort is required! Included is a script of how to 'think aloud' and model the thought processes of a good reader. On these cards you will find 32 extracts including original writing (from yours truly), classic literature, and nonfiction. Accompanying each short text is a question that asks students to dig deeper into the text, and pull out details that are not explicitly stated. These can be used for oral or written response. Setting them up as 'stations' around the room will ensure students are physically moving as they learn. You could use 1 card as a starter activity to get students using their inference skills before additional reading challenged. Alternatively, use the set with individuals, pairs or small teams. Included in the pack: -sample card for display on projector -'think aloud' script to model how to approach the cards for students -32 task cards printed 4 to a page -full teacher notes -a tracking sheet -a sheet for students to record their answers Questions or comments? Please get in touch with me via roamingteacher@gmail.com Keywords: task, cards, task cards, fun, reading, inference, infer, read, plenary, starter, lesson, stations, station

Get your students begging for their next prompt with these super-engaging task cards! Journal prompts, bellringers, station work - they can be used in various ways, not only for writing but also to promote discussion skills. With 48 unique cards in 3 different categories (beginning, middle and end of the apocalypse), this resource will keep your students writing enthusiastically for as long as you want. I've used this with secondary (middle and high school) students over the years, and it leads to the students asking for MORE writing time! I am used to teaching mixed-ability classes with EAL students and all my students can rise to this challenge. My 9-year-old son also saw me making these and asked if he could use them for his writing. With careful selection on my part, he too was thrilled to be able to find new ideas for his zombie-writing fascination. Produced on printer-friendly paper, these task cards are sure to be a resource you use time and time again. Included: * ideas on how to use the task cards * 48 different prompts to promote writing, critical thinking and discussion (if chosen) Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note below. I'm always happy to help! Keywords: zombie, task cards, writing, prompt, creative, apocalypse

More task cards for teachers who really want to engage their students! Students literally cheer when I pull out a set of task cards because they know they are going to have fun learning. These are perfect for mini-lessons, whole class teaching, cooperative learning, intervention groups, and literacy centers. 24 task cards in this pack can be used in a variety of ways, and the teacher notes offer no fewer than 5 unique activities to get the most out of your purchase. These task cards have been designed for use with ANY novel, in all genres, and can be used at any point through the reading, including post-reading. I have used these with students of all ages, including 11-year-olds to less-confident 18-year-olds, but I would say they are ideally suited to KS3 and KS4 (US Grades 6-10). The pack consists of: + full teaching notes + 24 high-colour task cards (for those who like bright colours)* + 24 low-colour task cards (for those who want to save ink)* + my unending support! *(Please note both sets of cards are the same.) If you like these, be sure to check out my ever-expanding collection of multi-use task cards in my store. Any technical problems just get in touch and I will be happy to help: roamingteacher@gmail.com Keywords; task cards, reading, literature, discussion, response, critical thinking, literature circles, reading clubs, fun, engaging,

This is a PREVIEW of the resource available in my shop. This lesson would be perfect for a substitute teacher as all student instructions are included. For you, it's a low-prep lesson: just print-and-go. A perfect way to start the year, this lesson combines reading, discussion and metacognition or 'learning to learn'. OVERVIEW This lesson starts with an anticipation guide, in which students reflect on their own beliefs about intelligence and learning. Following this, students read an original article on how the brain develops. It includes: * Information on intelligence as something to be developed, rather than fixed * The role of mindset in learning * The power of ‘yet’ They have a double-sided sheet to complete as they explore the text which practices: citing evidence; finding the main idea; recognising cause & effect; identifying the importance of a section as part of a whole; and synthesis. Discussion cards have been provided as a follow up to the reading, so students can develop their ideas. Finally, students are asked to reflect on how this learning might impact their attitude and actions, setting specific goals to improve their learning. (A FREE optional resource comparing the brains of zombies and humans (Zombie Brains versus Human Brains) can be downloaded from my store, for those using this resource with my other zombie-themed lessons.) My students absolutely love finding out the science behind how they learn, and this lesson has them passionately discussing their views on intelligence. It has surprised me how well it is received by all secondary grades,and it doesn't matter what subject or age I'm teaching, it's always a winner. The reading level is around Year 8 (more due to sentence structure than vocabulary), but accessible and engaging to all students from Year 7 to Year 12. Keywords: learning, brain, metacognition, yet, mindset, Dweck, intelligence, resilience, reading, speaking, listening, discussion Questions? Feel free to get in touch with me via roamingteacher@gmail.com

This is a PREVIEW of the resource available in my shop. This lesson would be perfect for a substitute teacher as all student instructions are included. Get students to identify figurative language in an engaging way by reading and/or listening to music lyrics along the zombie / death theme. Even more importantly, these activities will build your students' confidence in discussing the impact of figurative language as used in specific texts. It's an easy hop from these activities to applying their skills to poetry. I am used to teaching mixed-ability classes with EAL students and all my students can rise to this challenge, from those who are below to those who are above grade level. (Please check suitability of the topic for younger students, although I do my best to avoid gory images.) Produced on printer-friendly paper, these task cards are sure to be a resource you use time and time again. Included: * full teaching notes * lyrics of 3 songs on the theme of zombies & death * links to the songs * 2 student worksheets with instructions and answer keys * ideas for how to use the materials for a physical movement activity * suggestions for how to use the materials as a discussion activity This product would complement any curriculum that focuses on the development of figurative language identification and analysis. Interested in other zombie-themed resources? See my store for more bargains. I intend to do regular discounts and promos, so follow me to get notifications for when this happens. Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note below. I'm always happy to help.

This is a PREVIEW of the full product available in my store. Looking for a way to develop your students' reading, while having fun - look no further! These cards have 12 short texts for students to really drill down into the skills they need to become excellent readers. Students love zombies and this, along with my other themed resources, keeps them smiling through the whole unit. I've used this with secondary (middle school) students who tell me they really enjoy these short activities to focus on particular skills. I am used to teaching mixed-ability classes with EAL students and all my students can rise to this challenge, from those who are below to those who are above grade level. (Please check suitability of the topic for younger students, although I avoid gory images and explicit mention of weapons such as guns.) Produced on printer-friendly paper, these task cards are sure to be a resource you use time and time again. Included: * ideas on how to use the task cards * 12 different tasks at different levels, focusing on individual skills * answer sheet for students to record their responses (optional double-sided printable) * suggested answers Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note via roamingteacher@gmail.com

Get your students begging for their next prompt with this super-engaging task cards! They can be used in various ways, not only for writing but also to promote discussion skills. With 48 unique cards in 3 different categories (beginning, middle and end of the apocalypse), this resource will keep your students writing enthusiastically for as long as you want. Included in the pack are ways you can use these cards to produce shorter and longer pieces of writing. I've used this with secondary students over the years, and it leads to the students asking for MORE writing time! I am used to teaching mixed-ability classes with EAL students and all my students can rise to this challenge. My 9-year-old son also saw me making these and asked if he could use them for his writing. With careful selection on my part, he too was thrilled to be able to find new ideas for his zombie-writing fascination. This file is a PREVIEW of the resource for sale in my shop. Produced on printer-friendly paper, these task cards are sure to be a resource you use time and time again. Included: * ideas on how to use the task cards * 48 different prompts to promote writing, critical thinking and discussion (if chosen) Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note via roamingteacher@gmail.com. I'm always happy to help!

This is a PREVIEW of the resource available in my shop. This lesson would be perfect for a substitute teacher as all student instructions are included. For you, it's a low-prep lesson: just print-and-go. Focus on public writing and speaking skills with this zombie-themed task. These materials set up a scenario where students' survival depends on how well they can present their arguments. If you are using my other 'zombie' materials, this activity fits well with the reading and writing tasks. I am used to teaching mixed-ability classes with EAL students and all my students can rise to this challenge, from those who are below to those who are above grade level. (Please check suitability of the topic for younger students, although I do my best to avoid gory images.) Produced on printer-friendly paper, these task cards are sure to be a resource you use time and time again. Included: * full teaching notes * task instructions * task preparation materials * rubric (editable version included) * link to speech sample video (downloadable) * links to additional useful resources Interested in other zombie-themed resources? Look in my store for more zombie bargains. Follow me to get notifications of new products and promotions. Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note via roamingteacher@gmail.com. I'm always happy to help.